Mike Tyson, 54, fights Roy Jones Jr., 51, to draw in his return to boxing ring

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LOS ANGELES — Mike Tyson did not score a knockout against Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday night, but he looked formidable in his return to the boxing ring at the age of 54.

Tyson looked aggressive from the outset and stalked Jones, 51, through most of their eight-round exhibition fight at Staples Center.

But Jones remained on his feet when the final bell rang — and three former WBC champions scored the bout a draw. USA TODAY Sports scored the fight 78-74 for Tyson.

“I’m glad I got this under my belt,” said Tyson, who also said he was good with the draw “because I entertained the crowd.”

Tyson entered the ring with his signature attire — no socks, black trunks and draped with a towel rather than a robe.

Inside the ring, before the fight began, Tyson appeared to be blinking back tears. It was clearly an emotional moment as he prepared to fight for the first time in 15 years.

Early on, Tyson resembled his old self, too, charging after Jones and unleashing powerful punches. He nailed Jones with several powerful shots. Jones looked hurt in the second round after absorbing another shot to the body.

But after that, Jones frequently kept Tyson in a clinch to help neutralize Tyson’s power — and survive to the final bell.

“The body shots definitely took a toll,” Jones said. “The body shots will make you exhausted.”

But Tyson pointed out that Jones took the shots. “Hey, I respect that,” Tyson said.

Mike Tyson throws a punch against Roy Jones Jr. during the third round.

 (Photo: Joe Scarnici, Handout photo via USA TODAY Sports)

Here’s the round-by-round recap and scoring from USA TODAY Sports’ Josh Peter:

Round 1

Tyson comes out firing jabs. Looks aggressive. Tyson connects with left to body. Stalking. Jones looks tentative. Maybe even scared. Tyson drills Roy in ribs. Firing another jab. In a clinch. Tyson still firing. Jones now using jab. But Tyson fights through it and connects again. Tyson wins round 10-9.

Round 2

Tyson delivers hard left to body. Jones could be in trouble. Fighters separated. Tyson connects with left to Jones’ head. Tyson looks fit and powerful. Fighters in clinch — the only place Jones looks safe. Tyson misses with menacing right. In another clinch. Jones connects with a left. Tyson unloads with two more rights. And more punches after the bell. Cups Jones head as if in apology. Tyson wins round 10-9 (Tyson 20, Jones 18).

Round 3

Tied up again. Tyson powering through Jones’ attempted jab. Jones holding on to Tyson — and for dear life? Turning into a clinch fest. Jones throws some punches. Nice exchange! Jones slips a fierce right hand. Jones wins round 10-9 (Tyson 29, Jones 28).

Round 4

Tyson attacking again. With a solid left. Jones dancing, but still managing to fling some punches. None landing. Tyson goes to the body. Trying to get something out of yet another clinch. Tyson connects with two rights to the body. Jones lands a solid left. But Tyson keeps coming. Tyson wins round 10-9 (Tyson 39, Jones 37).

Round 5

Jones throws a flurry. Nothing. Tyson connects. In another clinch. Another nice exchange. Tyson drilling Jones’ body as they remain in a clinch. Big left by Tyson! Jones looks to be in trouble. Hanging on. Barely. Survives a last-second flurry. Tyson wins round 10-9 (Tyson 49, Jones 46).

Round 6

Tyson looks energized. Unleashing body punches. Jones throws a left — barely. Jones looks exhausted. Tyson looks fresh. Fighters back in a clinch. Tyson unleashes KO punch, but misses. Working Jones’ body. Jones feinting and ducking and dodging. Then pounds Tyson with a left in the face as the bell rings! Tyson wins round 10-9 (Tyson 59, Jones 55).

Round 7

Tyson remains the aggressor. But Jones throws a flurry of punches. Tyson looks angry. Comes back with hard punches, and Jones responds with his own. Jones looking game. Working left jab with some confidence. But Tyson still powering forward. Landing some body punches. Solid round for Jones. Jones wins round 10-9 (Tyson 68, Jones 65).

Round 8

Tyson fires a right and they’re back in a clinch. Jones isn’t interested in letting things fly. Jones dancing. Showboating. Hilarious. Tyson look for the KO, and Jones looking to survive. No big punches left to come. Tyson wins round 10-9 (Tyson 78, Jones 74).

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